About Drama Kids International franchise
Drama Kids International is the world’s largest after-school drama program, dedicated to helping kids build confidence, creativity, and communication skills through fun, high-energy classes. Our franchise offers a rewarding, low-cost opportunity for those passionate about theatre and making a positive impact on children’s lives. With a home-based office and classes held in schools and community spaces, there’s no need for a costly studio. Franchise owners receive full support, including a proven curriculum, training, and ongoing guidance from our National Office. It’s a flexible, purpose-driven business that brings personal and professional fulfillment. With Drama Kids, you’re not just building a business—you’re inspiring the next generation to shine.
Drama Kids International is a premier after-school drama program designed to inspire and empower children and young adults through the transformative power of drama. With a focus on building essential life skills like public speaking, creative thinking, leadership, collaboration, and self-confidence, Drama Kids goes far beyond traditional acting classes. Our unique, developmental curriculum ensures every child shines—whether they’re naturally outgoing or more reserved.
Franchise Characteristics of Drama Kids
- Home-Based Office Model – Run your business efficiently from home while teaching classes in schools and community venues.
- No Teaching or Theatre Experience Required – Our comprehensive training prepares you for success, regardless of your background.
- Full Business Training and Coaching – Receive step-by-step guidance on operations, marketing, and growth strategies.
- Extensive Teacher Training – Learn how to confidently deliver our curriculum and manage classes effectively.
- Turnkey Curriculum and Lesson Plans – Access a fully developed and updated curriculum designed for ease of use and maximum impact.
- Flexible Schedule – Set your own hours and enjoy a business that fits your lifestyle.
- Scalable Model – Grow at your own pace with the ability to add staff, classes, camps, and events over time.
- Community-Focused Approach – Build strong local partnerships with schools, parents, and organizations.
- Creative and Purpose-Driven – A business that combines artistic expression with real-world skill development for kids.
- Supportive Franchise Network – Join a community of like-minded owners who share insights, inspiration, and encouragement.
DETAILED FRANCHISE DESCRIPTION
Franchise owners deliver a variety of engaging, age-appropriate programming throughout their communities, including:
- Weekly Classes: Offered in schools and community spaces, our classes cater to students of all ages and skill levels. Program options include in-school enrichment, community-based classes, Acting Academy, Master Classes, and Performance Classes.
- Camps: We offer dynamic summer and holiday camps that include both workshop-style experiences and full performance camps, giving kids a fun and creative outlet during school breaks.
- Workshops and Special Events: Franchisees can host exciting events such as drama-themed field trips, library programs, anti-bullying workshops, parent’s night out events, and more.
Franchisees benefit from a flexible, home-based office with no need for a permanent studio space. All curriculum, training, and support are provided by our National Office, making it easy to launch and grow a thriving business that brings real value to families. With Drama Kids, you're not just offering classes—you're helping kids find their voice, express themselves, and thrive.
How much does the Drama Kids International franchise cost?
Initial franchise fee: $42,500
Initial investments: $48,000-$57,000
Payback period: N/A – Entire franchise fee is due at signing
Average turnover per month:
| Gross sales | Low | Average | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group one | $ 203,802 | $ 353,035 | $ 320,779 | $ 685,534 |
| Group two | $ 85,298 | $ 137,099 | $ 128,764 | $ 194,819 |
| Group three | $ 2,582 | $ 45,422 | $ 49,231 | $ 78,336 |
Royalties: 8% of gross revenue. $200/month minimums kick in after 12 months. $500 minimums kick in during the 3rd year.
National Advertising Fund: is 1% of gross revenue
The Initial Franchise Fee covers our pre-opening assistance, including administrative costs, overhead, counsel fees, accounting, franchise recruitment expenses and other expenses in connection with opening the Drama Kids Business.
The Initial Franchise Fee includes access to our proprietary “Act Up! Classroom Training” and our “DKI Quick Start Training” programs. DKI Quick Start Training is provided through a series of video conference sessions. Act Up! Classroom Training consists of in-person classroom training held for three days in Tampa, Florida.
Other current payments:
- $50 tech fee, monthly
- $261 quarterly for social media management platform
The expense associated with maintaining and/or updating a standard listing or web page is currently funded by the National Advertising and Promotional Fund. We charge a Technology Fee (See Item 6), which may be used to fund these expenses. We charge a Social Media Management Fee that pays for a third-party media management company for your own individual account to maintain and place advertising and posts on various social media platforms (See Item 6). This fee does not include any advertising expenses that are charged by the social media companies. You are not required to participate in any local or regional advertising cooperative for Drama Kids Franchises.
FRANCHISE ADVANTAGES
- Home-Based Business Model – Manage your business from the comfort of a home office with no need for a physical studio space.
- Low Investment, Low Overhead – A cost-effective way to start and operate a rewarding business.
- Exciting, Trusted Brand – Our professional, kid-friendly image appeals to families, school administrators, and communities alike.
- Protected Territory – Operate exclusively within your assigned area, giving you the freedom to grow without competition from other franchisees.
- Exclusive Curriculum Access – Enjoy full use of our proprietary, 300+ page curriculum, updated annually to stay relevant and engaging.
- Extensive Camp Offerings – Access 20+ unique summer and holiday camp programs, with more added regularly for year-round revenue opportunities.
- Comprehensive Training & Support – Receive robust in-person and online training, plus ongoing support from our experienced franchise team.
- High-Quality Marketing Materials – Benefit from professionally designed branding, logos, and promotional assets to help grow your business.
- National Recognition – Be part of a well-established, nationally recognized brand with a reputation for excellence.
- Loyal Customer Base – Join a vibrant, supportive community of Drama Kids families and franchisees who are passionate about the program.
- Experienced Franchise Network – Learn and connect with a strong network of fellow owners who offer collaboration, support, and shared wisdom.
- Meaningful Impact – Make a real difference in the lives of children by helping them grow in confidence, creativity, and communication.
REQUIREMENTS TO BUY FRANCHISE
- Initial Franchise Fee. See Item 5 for more details on the Initial Franchise Fee.
- Initial Advertising.We recommend, but do not require, you advertise, market and promote your Drama Kids Business through local advertising, marketing, and promotion and agree to expend the funds which may be necessary to accomplish this result. This amount includes basic initial advertising materials paid to local suppliers of your choice using our templates or if not our templates, items which we gave you advance approval to use.
- Business and Office Setup. This includes a computer and/or printer if you do not already own one.
- Insurance. You must obtain and maintain, at your own expense, general liability insurance coverage we require, and satisfy other reasonable insurance related obligations. Please note that if you have had prior issues or claims from previous operations unrelated to the operation of a Drama Kids Business, your rates may be significantly higher than those estimated above.
- Additional Funds–3 Months. This estimate includes your initial start-up expenses (other than the items identified separately in the table above) during the first three months of operation. These expenses include payroll costs during the first three months of operation, but not any draw or salary for you. Our estimates are based on our experience, the experience of our affiliates, and our current requirements for Drama Kids Franchises. Your actual costs for initial start-up expenses during this three month period will depend on how closely you follow our methods and procedures; your management skills, experience, and business acumen; local economic conditions; the local market for your products; the prevailing wage rate; your competition; and the sales level you reach during the initial period.
SUCCESS STORY!
Option 1: Tricia Foster, our dedicated Drama Kids owner in Dallas, TX, turned her passion for working with children into a thriving business that changed her life—and her family’s future. Through her Drama Kids franchise, Tricia was able to put all three of her children through college, fully funded by the income from her business. Drama Kids gave her the perfect balance of personal fulfillment and financial independence. Her story is a shining example of how this franchise empowers owners to make a meaningful impact in their communities while building lasting success.
Option 2: While searching for the perfect after-school drama program for my daughter, I discovered Drama Kids International—and instantly knew it was exactly what I wanted for her. The only problem? There wasn’t a program near us.
Rather than settling for less, I decided to bring Drama Kids to my own community. I believed in the program so much that I knew other families would feel the same—and I was right! We launched in January 2023 with a full class on day one and had to add more classes within just three months to keep up with the incredible demand.
Drama Kids doesn’t just build confidence and communication skills in children—it empowers you with the tools, support, and proven model to build a successful business with heart. Starting my Drama Kids franchise has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—for my family, my community, and my future.
Ignite your love for theatre and launch a powerful business with Drama Kids—run your office from home while bringing life-changing drama classes to schools and communities. With low start-up costs and a mission to build confidence, creativity, and character in kids, this is your chance to make a difference and thrive doing what you love!
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Starting investments from:$48,000
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Company type:Education center
- Year company was founded:1999
- Year of launching franchise:2001
- Franchised companies:40